Restaurants
Swan Restaurant
Swan is consistently mentioned as one of the best brunch spots in the city. And there are regularly long line-ups to match this reputation. But with a little online research it seems there is a recent consensus among diners that the food and service has become hit or miss.
Nonetheless the various online reviews and comments often end on a high note with a fervent recommendation that comes back to the ambiance. Rightly so - Swan is one of Toronto's most charming restaurants with its '50s diner-style retro decor. I went in on a mission to discover the truth. Would teak wood, cozy leather booths and aborite tables be enough to woo my friends and I over?
Saturday 2pm. No lineup but the place is packed including someone at every barstool (I get the feeling that the semblance of having regular patron prestige makes sitting at the bar in hot demand at Swan).
Our hot coffee and sweetened-just-right fresh ice tea arrives promptly. Service is quick and attentive.
Before delving into our greasy brunch we decided to split an arugula salad to start, with a sherry lemon vinaigrette, slivered pears and goat cheese for $9. This was really, really tasty; simple and light.
Satisfied with the initial healthy choice, I go straight for the no-protein no-nutrients bread-on-bread French toast ($9). And that's about all I know I'm getting into because the menu provides no description. The French toast arrives sprinkled in icing sugar and covered in a tart raspberry coulis with a melon and orange slice on the side. Off the bat I'd be quick to judge that I prefer covered in chocolate or stuffed with cream cheese, but the fruit drizzle is more than enough to satisfy.
The huevos rancheros comes with a black bean tortilla, avocado salsa, sour cream and two eggs over easy ($11). At first glance: awesomesauce. But a few bites in we realize it's ice cold so we send it back. The second attempt comes out quickly and is hot all the way through. However it was in a word bland; far from huevos rancheros' typically high standards.
So this review is going to end like most of the others. Swan could up the consistency but the prices are right and the ambiance delightful so in my books this nostalgic little diner can keep its landmark status for a go-to brunch on West Queen West.
Writing and photos by Megan Leahy. Interior photo by Tanja-Tiziana Burdi.
Discussion
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But, the service was unoffensive and acceptable.
I've always had great service and great food there.
Their Caesars are top notch (the freshly grated horseradish doesn't go unnoticed), their eggs are poached to perfection, and their dreamy barista made me the best latte I've ever had.
Get the hot sauce, soooo good!!
The trick with public comments on BlogTO food features are to know these two basic things: People who notice a service or product are subpar are not naysayers, they are honorable public servants. I wish I had followed their advice about Swan and spent my money elsewhere. People who likedy-like Swan with an overdose of amazing!!! exclamation points!!! are never to be trusted. They are like snake oil salesmen with bad taste. True and positive reviews do exist, but they never try to show you how excited they are!!! like this!!!
Forget going out for brunch and paying $40-$60.00 for two
The menu has changed so their reasonably priced mains no longer include any sides. Their plates have become tiny and uninspiring. And to top everything off, it ended up being an 80$ dinner for two people with two drinks and mains (this is outrageous for a place like the swan).
I'm very sorry to have to put this particular comment up since this USED to be one of my favourite Toronto restaurants.